MINNEAPOLIS April 17, 2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) has named Le Méridien Chambers North American Hotel of the Year for the Paris-born hotel brand.

While Starwood does not release the financial results of individual brands, the internal award is based on revenue management, year-over-year profitability, revenue growth and guest satisfaction. The hotel is one of more than 110 worldwide, 12 of which are located throughout North America, including locations in Montreal, New York and San Francisco.

Were delighted, of course, said Susan Mabry, general manager. This is so much a reflection of a lot of hard work by our entire staff, and it means a lot to see them recognized in this way. Achieving the type of growth necessary to earn this award during the recent economy hasnt been easy and were thrilled.

This is the first year Le Méridien Chambers was eligible for the award since coming under Starwood management in 2010. The Minneapolis-based hotel serves as a flagship for Le Méridiens North American portfolio, and is considered an ideal example of its goal to serve as a creative hub in cities around the world.

Opened in 2006 by prominent art collector Ralph Burnet, the hotel is considered one of the worlds top art hotels, featuring more than 250 original artworks by such noted artists as Tracey Emin, Sam Taylor-Wood and Gavin Turk. The hotel also features the Burnet Gallery, a commercial art gallery featuring new exhibits and art events more than six times a year. The quality of the hotels art collection and guest service has earned in international acclaim as one of the worlds top art hotels.

Since becoming part of the Le Méridien line, the hotel has introduced several arts-driven elements to enhance the overall guest experience. As part of its ARRIVAL program the hotel has introduced proprietary scent, sound in 2010. And, in 2011 it commissioned a portal artwork by Minnesota artist, Sonja Peterson that encases the hotels entry way. The combination of these elements helps engage guests from the moment of arrival and transform the experience from functional and transactional to one that emotionally connects with guests and resets their minds, leaving the outside world behind for the world of Le Méridien. As part of the brands UNLOCK ART program the hotel has an artist-designed key card collection offers access to both the guestroom and free access to exhibits at the nearby Walker Art Center.

For those of us who live in the Twin Cities and work in the hotel every day, it can be easy to start to take the art collection, the art programs and the hotel itself for granted, noted Mabry. Receiving this award is energizing. It causes you to look at it all with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation and realize all over again how amazing it is.

Le Méridien Chambers

Le Méridien Chambers was designed for those individuals who recognize and are inspired by contemporary art and cuisine combined with great service. Behind the hotels distinctive mahogany double doors, guests are greeted with an eclectic mix of original, contemporary art by internationally renowned artists. Video monitors line the guestroom corridors with a constant display of award-winning video art, and during their stays, in-the-know guests take the stairs whenever possible to enjoy, Elemental, the five-story mural that runs the entire height of the hotels main stairwell. In the hotels Burnet Gallery, guests may purchase works by international, national and local artists.

Designed by Rockwell Group (Kodak Theatre, Nobu, among others), Le Méridien Chambers timeless, chic design provides an ideal backdrop to its contemporary art collection. The hotel wraps around Eden, an open-air, grotto-style lounge courtyard that is open year round and features a large, sleek, 10-foot square gas fire pit. During the winter months a portion of Eden transforms into, Ice Chamber, a 256-foot bar created from 12,000 pounds of crystal clear ice. DAmico Kitchen, the hotels restaurant offers critically acclaimed creative, contemporary Italian fare by the Twin Cities legendary restaurateurs, Larry and Richard DAmico.

Le Méridien Chambers features 60 guestrooms, including six suites and nine junior suites. All the guestrooms feature original artwork and are furnished with contemporary furniture, platform beds with custom mattresses and 400-thread-count, Egyptian cotton bed linens. Rooms are equipped with all the necessities that satisfy a contemporary lifestyle, including 42 plasma TVs, complimentary high-speed and WI-FI Internet access, and iPod docking stations, alarm clocks. Spacious closets and wardrobes in each guestroom are ideal for long-term stays.

Located in the heart of the Twin Cities cultural, business and social scenes, Le Méridien Chambers is just a block from the center of the citys business, financial and shopping districts. Patrons may stroll across the street to world-class theater and concerts at the historic Orpheum, Pantages and State Theatres. The critically acclaimed Guthrie Theatre, Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Arts are all within five minutes by taxi. Nightclubs, bars, restaurants and art galleries that fill the citys Warehouse District are within easy walking distance. For more information on Le Méridien Chambers or to book, please visit www.LeMeridien.com/minneapolis.

About Le Méridien

Le Méridien, the Paris-born hotel brand currently represented by 112 properties in more than 50 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005. Since then, Le Méridien has gone through a brand re-launch, which included a major portfolio consolidation through renovating, opening, and exiting off brand hotels. As part of the new brand direction, French arts provocateur Jérôme Sans was appointed Cultural Curator to support in transforming numerous guest touch points and bringing unique and interactive experiences to its guests. With close to 80 of its properties located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Le Méridien provides a strong international complement to Starwoods primarily North American holdings. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com.

Contact:

Jacqueline Hanson

Hanson Communications

952-941-3949

Jacqueline@HansonPR.com

###